Every year on November 11th we honor the military veterans who fought for our country. This date is very meaningful for many of our students here at Lakeview who know or love someone who bravely served. Veterans day is widely celebrated as the day we honor everyone who either served in the past, or is currently serving, and there are quite a few Bulldogs with loved ones whose actions inspired them this Veterans Day.
I interviewed a few Bulldogs who are in my 11th grade class to ask them how Veterans Day affects them. Each response was heartwarming as well as compassionate, and proves nonetheless that these students have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for the Veterans they know.
Junior Thomas Easton is one of those students. Easton’s grandpa served in Vietnam, so this day had a large impact on him, as well as his family. Easton said, “My grandpa and his legacy has a large influence on me, and always has. Ever since I was a little kid I have looked up to him and his accomplishments. In fact, so much so that after I graduate I plan to get involved in the military, specifically the Marines. Without my grandpa’s influence, I may not have ever even considered being in the military, but I am beyond grateful for his guidance that is getting me on the right path for life. This Veterans Day reminded me of that fact, and helped me realize just how much I appreciate him and everyone else who served for our country.”
Like Easton, there are tons of other students who felt the impact this day brings. Whether they know someone who is currently serving or who formally did, the meaning of Veterans Day still brings many emotions to the surface.
Junior Lorelai Lowe shares how being a daughter and granddaughter of veterans has changed her life. Lowe told me, “My dad recently retired from the United States Marine Corp after twenty years of service, which means I was born into the military lifestyle. Because of my dad’s job, growing up I moved around a lot. I was born in Ohio, but I almost immediately moved to North Carolina, followed by California, then Michigan, and finally about a year and a half ago back to Ohio which is how I ended up at Lakeview. That being said, I am very lucky my dad’s involvement in the military has provided so many life experiences, and every Veterans day I am proud and thankful that I get to call him my dad.”
Unfortunately, not all students’ loved ones who served in the military are here right now to celebrate with them, but that is exactly what veterans day is for: remembering.
Another junior, Mckenna Bartram, had a great grandfather who was in the army, and even received a purple heart and a bronze star. Bartram said,“Veterans day always reminds me of my great grandpa and his accomplishments. During World War II, he was a tanker who helped liberate the concentration camps. Because of all the work he did and lives he saved, he received not only a purple heart, but also a bronze star, which are very highly honored decorations. His achievements are very meaningful to me and even though he isn’t here with us today, Veterans Day never fails to remind me of him and his courage.”
Veterans Day clearly has a large impact on our students. It is safe to say that we are far beyond thankful for all who served our nation, and we will never forget their bravery. So, I would like to give a very big thank you on behalf of the Bulldogs.
